This week is National Pie Week, who better then to be this week’s Londoner than chef Andy Bates the chief gaffer at Eat My Pies. If anyone knows a thing or two about pies it is him…
How long have you lived in London, where and why?
Since ’99, so I am on my 16th year. My first flat was on Tower Bridge Rd and since then always between Hackney, Islington and Green Lanes but I”ve been in Hackney for the last 2 years and very happy. I love living here because I am surrounded by great pubs and restaurants set up by young entrepreneurs that are out there giving it a go.
Did you always know you wanted to be a chef? Any tips for people wanting to break into the industry?
I have been in and out of catering since I was 16, working first as a chef before stints as a painter decorator and as a first assistant director on music videos and commercials. But I always found myself back in the kitchen or helping friends out in their restaurants. I started my company ‘Eat My Pies’ 6 years ago and the past 3 years have been travelling the world with the telly stuff. Kitchens have changed so much from when I started washing up in a pub 22 years ago, its always changing and thats the great thing about it. You will never stop learning… Be like a sponge and absorb as much as you can!
Clearly you are big on pies and as luck would have it this week is National Pie Week, tell us who’s pies do you love?
Well mine of course ;) but great London pies can be got from Ginger Pig and Battersea Pie as well.
But what would your dream pie filling be? If you could add anything you wanted in the world?
Good question, it changes all the time. A recent discussion with the guys from Pizza Pilgrims led me to hear about a pie called ‘Tiella di gaeta’ an Italian type of pie filled with grilled octopus and tomato sauce served as a late snack for drinkers on the way home from the pub. I’ve been dreaming of it ever since…
Finally what would your perfect day in London be?
I think a lot of people will relate to this…Having absolutely nothing planned at all. The day is sunny, starting with a late brunch then a walk through one of the parks and ending up where ever the journey takes you. I love London days like this.
Oh we do love a day without any plans! Can we join? Wanna find out more about Eat My Pies, then have a lookie at Andy’s website.